Chapter 267 - 137: Yu Hualong Gifts a Pill, Zhang Su Enters Mixed Element Peak

"Zhang Su, is that... a token for an Upper Sect Disciple?"

Lu Danxi, the Celestial Pride of Medicine Valley, stared at the token in Zhang Su’s hand, a peculiar look flashing in her eyes.

She stood at the entrance to the inn’s main hall, her gaze fixed on the grayish-black token in Zhang Su’s hand.

Zhang Su hadn’t expected such a coincidence.

The token had been delivered directly to the inn, and to make matters worse, the members of the Three Sects had seen it.

Under everyone’s watchful eyes, Zhang Su couldn’t deny it.

"It’s just for a Named Disciple of Mixed Element Peak."

Zhang Su said nonchalantly.

He flipped the token over, revealing the back. The two words for ’Named Disciple’ were clearly visible.

For a moment, the inn’s main hall fell silent.

The members of the Three Sects, disciples and Elders alike, all fixed their gazes on Zhang Su.

In the Upper Sect, there was a distinction between servants, Named Disciples, Official Disciples, and Direct Disciples.

Servants were not entered into the Upper Sect’s disciple registry and were basically no different from regular attendants.

However, even servants had a sliver of hope. If they performed well, it wasn’t impossible for them to become Named Disciples.

It was for this very reason that many people tried every means possible to become a servant in the Upper Sect.

Named Disciples were entered into the Upper Sect’s disciple registry, but they typically entered the Upper Sect through various special means and were, in fact, considered dispensable.

Their status in the Upper Sect was not high, and the resources they could obtain were limited, but at least they were considered part of the Upper Sect.

Official Disciples were those who had demonstrated a certain level of talent. They were considered true disciples of the Upper Sect, though they didn’t receive much special attention.

The ones who truly held status in the Upper Sect were the Direct Disciples.

Every Direct Disciple was exceptionally talented and had a limitless future.

They were the true core of the Upper Sect, and their every word and action represented the Sect’s honor.

This was also why the Three Sects Alliance hoped their own disciples could become an Upper Sect’s Direct Disciple.

’So he’s a Named Disciple...’

A flicker of surprise crossed Lu Danxi’s eyes.

She knew what being a Named Disciple in the Upper Sect entailed.

Basically, they all relied on various connections to be shoehorned into the Upper Sect.

Of course, these connections had to be very strong, and the price paid was immense. It was by no means easy to enter the Upper Sect as a Named Disciple.

She had once heard an Elder from Medicine Valley mention that securing a spot as a Named Disciple in the Upper Sect required, at a minimum, a priceless treasure, as well as the help of someone with enough influence to speak on one’s behalf.

It wasn’t that Medicine Valley hadn’t considered this method, but after weighing the pros and cons, they ultimately gave up on the idea.

The cost was too great, and the hope of a Named Disciple becoming a Direct Disciple was simply too slim.

Lu Danxi’s gaze shifted to Yu Hualong.

In truth, Yu Hualong could have also gone to the Upper Sect as a Named Disciple.

Yu Hualong was a Celestial Pride of the Guiyuan Sect, possessing considerable talent and strength.

If the Guiyuan Sect had been willing to secure a spot for Yu Hualong as a Named Disciple, there would have been no issue.

But clearly, between Yu Hualong and Zhang Su, the Guiyuan Sect had chosen Zhang Su.

Lu Danxi sighed softly to herself.

She understood the Guiyuan Sect’s decision.

Zhang Su was only eighteen this year, his potential boundless. Yu Hualong, on the other hand, had lost to Shi Buyi and failed the Upper Sect selection; his potential was, in truth, already exhausted.

’If it were me, I probably would have chosen Zhang Su as well.’

The other nine True Disciples of the Guiyuan Sect stood in a corner of the inn’s main hall, a trace of surprise in their eyes.

They had no idea the Sect had actually arranged for Zhang Su to become a Named Disciple of the Upper Sect.

However, this was the Sect’s decision.

Besides, though they were envious, their turn would never have come anyway.

Even if it hadn’t been Zhang Su, it would have only been Yu Hualong.

The people from the Five Elements Sect stood on the other side of the hall.

Shi Buyi stood at the front of the group. His gaze lingered on the token in Zhang Su’s hand for only a moment before moving away, his expression unchanging.

The other disciples from the Five Elements Sect, however, showed hints of envy in their eyes.

They had worked so hard to participate in the Upper Sect selection, giving it their all, only to fail to even reach the threshold of becoming an Official Disciple.

And yet a Gang Force Martial Artist from the Guiyuan Sect could so easily obtain a spot as a Named Disciple.

"Alright, you’ve all had a tiring morning at the selection. Go get some rest."

Zhong Wangji spoke up at once.

All ten of the Guiyuan Sect’s disciples had been wiped out, and the three Elders’ expressions were grim.

Although Zhang Su obtaining a spot as a Named Disciple was a silver lining, their hearts grew heavy at the thought of the situation they would have to face upon returning to the Sect.

And so, everyone returned to their own rooms.

The members of the Three Sects dispersed one by one, and the inn’s main hall gradually grew quiet again.

"Come with me."

Zhong Wangji said to Zhang Su.

Soon, Zhang Su arrived at Zhong Wangji’s room.

The room was not large, one of the inner rooms on the second floor of the inn.

The window was half-closed, offering a view of the gray, overcast sky outside.

The other two Elders, Qu Zhengliu and Lu Cangfeng, were also in the room.

Zhong Wangji closed the door, turned around, and looked at Zhang Su.

"Zhang Su, the Upper Sect is not like the Guiyuan Sect. You’ll only be a Named Disciple there. Remember this: endure what you can, and don’t act rashly when things happen..."

Zhong Wangji’s gaze fell on Zhang Su’s face, a hint of worry in his eyes.

Zhang Su’s talent was undeniable, but there were simply too many geniuses in the Upper Sect.

A single misstep could cause him to fade into obscurity. It was incredibly difficult to stand out.

"The Upper Sect has strict rules; it’s not as relaxed as our Guiyuan Sect. When you’re over there, always be on your guard and don’t trust anyone easily."

Lu Cangfeng also spoke, his tone earnest and full of meaning.

"Also, Named Disciples don’t have high status in the Upper Sect, so it’s inevitable you’ll have to put up with some slights. When that happens, endure it first. Don’t get into conflicts. It won’t be too late to get your own back after you become an Official Disciple."